In 2001, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced a 3-year, $10 million, national AESI program which provided $2.475 million to Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector.

Building on the success of the National Soil and Water Conservation Program, AESI promoted innovative projects that contributed to practical ways to the conservation and enhancement of Ontario’s natural resources. AESI focused on water quality, soil health, wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions.

The goal of the AESI program was to support Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food industry through education and awareness, technology transfer and the adoption of innovative best management practices. By accelerating the adoption of sound environmental practices on the farm, AESI played a key role in a national action plan to make Canada a world leader in food safety, innovation and environmental protection.

AESI funds were derived from AAFC’s Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development fund and were administered cooperatively by the AAC and the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition.

Detailed information about completed projects is available by contacting the Agricultural Adaptation Council